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The 2016 Democratic National Convention has officially begun, and Philadelphia is now the center of the political universe for the next week. The convention begins on the heels of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s resignation over yet another email scandal rocking the Democrats. Naturally, Sanders supporters were not happy, and were lined up by the thousands to voice their disdain for the “rigged” system they blame for not giving Sanders a fair shot.

Protesters were smooshed against a chain link fence lining the corridor leading from AT&T Station to the entrance to the secured zone. At one point, a security guard tried to stop us from taking a photo of the protesters.

Security moved us along past the protestors outside the convention./Ptah Gabrie

Chants of “Bernie, Bernie…” were drowned out by derogatory words spewed at anyone who passed by them. When we worked our way through the maze of fences, police and homeland security, the protests faded into the distance, and we entered the convention.

Inside, the crowd grew with people filing through the concourse, occasionally having to find a way past the massive line to each of the Lorenzo’s pizza stands. The diverse crowd brought everyone onto a level playing field where politicians and celebrities mingled with delegates and the rest of attendants

Inside the DNC/Max Pulcini

Spirit News caught up with council president Darrell L. Clarke, and asked him why he supports Hillary Clinton for president. “I think she’s the most qualified person to run for the position, by far,” Clarke said. “I’ve watched her over the years…I kind of look at her as a public servant, even before she was an elected official.”

Clarke acknowledged Clinton does have some “drama surrounding her from time to time,” but according to him, that’s all part of the political process. “There’s always gonna be issues, but at the end of the day, she’s where I am,” Clarke said.

Clarke was optimistic that party unity will be attainable. “We are democrats. Democrats tend to fight, but at the end of the day we pull elections,” Clarke said. “We’re one house, the democratic party, and nobody outside of that house better mess with anybody.”

Spirit News also caught up with former Cincinnati mayor and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer, who was making his way around the concourse. He also agreed Clinton is best suited for the job. “In my lifetime, she’s the most knowledgeable well versed person ever to run for president,” Springer said. “There is no subject on public policy that she isn’t clearly well versed.”

Jerry Springer at the DNC/Ptah Gabrie

Springer said he’s more liberal than Clinton, but a Donald Trump presidency is not an option for him. “She’s not as liberal as me but liberal enough,” Springer said. “We can’t have Donald Trump. It’s not even a grown up fight anymore.”

Springer also said this election year is more divisive than years past. “It’s really not that bad. Unless you have an incumbent president, every convention is going to be a conglomeration of supporters of the candidate who won and the candidate who lost,” Springer said. “We’ve got 320 million people in this country, and only two major political parties. Somehow these 320 million people have to empty into two of these grand vessels,” Springer said. “You’re going to have all kinds of points of view. That’s what you’re seeing, and it’s not out of the ordinary.”

Many speakers from around the country took the stage throughout the night. Local speakers included Congressman Bob Brady, Mayor Jim Kenney and Rep. Brendan Boyle.

Bob Brady/Max Pulcini

Mayor Jim Kenney/Max Pulcini

The night was rounded out by passionate speeches from Corey Booker, Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, each evoke why Clinton must be the next president.

Michelle Obama/Max Pulcini

For many, the most anticipated speaker was Bernie Sanders. Sanders took the stage to a standing ovation and had a tough time quelling the cheers of support for him.

Sanders, in a passive aggressive manner, said he was “excited” for the roll call vote today, and the crowd went wild. “ I look forward to your votes during roll call tomorrow night,” Sanders said. He offered some compassionate words to his supporters. “No one is more disappointed than I am,” Sanders said. “That revolution, our revolution continues.”

Bernie Sanders/Max Pulcini

He balanced attacks on Trump with messages of positivity, and concern about the future of America.

“This election is about, and must be about, the needs of the American people and the kind of future we leave for our kids and grandchildren.